Five Tips for Diamond Engagement Ring Shopping

Thinking of asking your special someone the big question? Congratulations! If you’re like most couples, the question of when and how to propose is a big one. And once you’ve decided to pop the question, there’s another important question to answer: what kind of ring will they love? The International Diamond Center in Gainesville, FL, at Celebration Pointe has everything you need for a smooth ring buying experience, from many ring styles and different sized stones to staff with expert knowledge, your engagement ring shopping will be the absolute best experience. Read on for tips on how to choose a diamond engagement ring that matches your partner’s unique style.

Learn about the Four Cs

Diamonds are the ultimate engagement ring stone, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, classic, and they last a lifetime. But before you start engagement ring shopping, it’s important to learn about the Four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors affect a diamond’s beauty and value, so it’s helpful to have an understanding before jumping into your purchase. 

• Diamond Cut: This refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond, and how well those dimensions interact with light. A well-cut diamond will reflect light evenly and have more sparkle.
• Diamond Clarity: Clarity is all about how many blemishes or inclusions (internal imperfections) are present in a diamond. The fewer the blemishes, the higher the clarity grade and the more valuable the diamond. Diamonds are rated from D (flawless) to I3 (internal inclusions visible). Other ratings include IF (internally flawless), VVS1 and VVS2 (very, very slightly included), VS1 and VS2 (very slightly included), SI1 and SI2 (slightly included) and I1, I2 and I3 (included). 
• Diamond Color: The majority of diamonds are graded on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond). There are also colored diamonds in a range of hues. Most engagement ring shoppers are looking for a diamond in the D-J range, which is near colorless.
• Diamond Carat Weight: This is probably the most well-known of the Four Cs, as it refers to a diamond’s size. 

Select Your Favorite Diamond Shapes

Once you’re familiar with the Four Cs, you’ll want to decide on one or more diamond shapes that you and your partner prefer. There are a wide range of stone shapes out there, including the traditional round and square (princess) cuts, but other options include emerald cut (rectangular), oval, heart, pear and marquise (pointed oval cut). There are also Asscher and radiant cuts, which feature differently cut facets for added brilliance. 

When selecting a diamond shape, it’s also important to have a carat size in mind. Do you prefer a small, medium or large stone? Keep in mind that the carat size and its cut will affect the overall look of the engagement ring. Diamond specialists at the International Diamond Center in Gainesville, Florida, are incredibly knowledgeable and can work with you to find a diamond that fits your preferred shape, size and budget.  

Choose a Metal Type

After you’ve decided on the stone, it’s time to pick a metal type for the setting and band. The most popular engagement ring metals are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum. 

When engagement ring shopping, think about what metal type will best complement your partner’s skin tone and style preference. If they have a warmer complexion, yellow gold or rose gold may be the way to go. If they prefer a cooler look, white gold or platinum could be the perfect choice. Not sure which metal type to pick? Take a peek at their jewelry collection to see which metal tone they have more of and wear often. The experts at the International Diamond Center can also help guide you to the perfect engagement ring metal. 

Select a Setting Type

Once you’ve chosen the stone and metal, it’s time to select a setting. Popular engagement ring settings include solitaire, which is just one diamond in the center of the ring band, three stone, which features one large stone in the center of two smaller stones, and halo, which features a larger stone fully surrounded by a circle of smaller stones. There are other styles, too, so check with your diamond specialist to view each different type of setting. 

Always Buy Certified

When engagement ring shopping, always make sure you’re getting a certified diamond. This certification comes from an independent laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where gemologists grade the diamond based on its cut, color, clarity and carat weight. A certified diamond is a great way to ensure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for and that your engagement ring will maintain its value over time.

The most important thing to remember when buying an engagement ring is that you are making an investment. You want something that will last a lifetime and be loved by your fiancée for years to come. That’s why understanding the four Cs and the many available options of are so important. When you’re ready to start engagement ring shopping in Gainesville, the diamond specialists at International Diamond Center look forward to helping you find the perfect ring for your partner. We’ll make sure they love it as much as you do. Visit our location today at Gainesville’s best shopping center, Celebration Pointe!